Properties benchmark of granular and viscous analogue materials

TL;DRAbstract

An improved knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of granular and viscous materials is essential to determine their suitability for simulating brittle and ductile deformation, respectively. Here we report mechanical tests on granular and viscous analogue materials used by different laboratories worldwide. We performed ring shear tests, uniaxial compression tests, creep tests and analysed grain characteristics by means of sieve analysis and scanning electron microscope analysis. In total, 18 dry sands and 8 silicone polymers have been mechanically/rheologically characterized. Parameters of frictional strength of dry sands have been determined by ring shear testing at experimental conditions (< 2150 Pa normal load, 3 mm/min shear velocity, 23-25°C, 30-40% humidity). Parameters include the friction coefficient and apparent cohesion during formation of a shear zone (“peak” strength), during sliding on an existing shear zone (“stable dynamic” strength) and during reactivation of a pre-exist

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